All three factory teams showcased their machinery on
England’s south coast, with enthusiasts from across Europe relishing the sight
and sound of Rally1 cars tackling the famous hill and Forest Rally Stage,
designed by 1983 world champion Hannu Mikkola.
More than just a celebration of the present, Goodwood also
paid homage to the past. Iconic vehicles of the WRC’s early days like the
Alpine A110 and the fire-breathing Group B monsters, including the Audi Quattro
S1 and Lancia Delta S4, drew significant attention.
And the personalities only added to the spectacle. Four-time
world champion Juha Kankkunen entertained as usual, pushing the Toyota GR Yaris
Rally2 he was driving sideways at every opportunity. Toyota team principal
Jari-Matti Latvala also took to the wheel, while current drivers Elfyn Evans,
Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä also put the Rally1-specification Yaris
through its paces.
Adrien Fourmaux and Grégoire Munster had their hands full
keeping two-time WRC champion and four-time Dakar winner Carlos Sainz Sr. from poaching
their Puma Rally1. The Spaniard took great pleasure from sitting inside the
British-built machine in between the M-Sport Ford duo’s thrilling hill runs.
Hyundai representatives Dani Sordo and Hayden Paddon were kept
equally busy, giving numerous passenger rides across the four days in an i20
World Rally Car. Sordo offered guests, including Kira Block, daughter of the
late Ken Block, a first-hand experience of life at the WRC’s sharp end.
Paddon was quickly acquainted with the i20 N he last drove
in 2018 and was praised
for his perfect donuts.
He also provided one lucky fan with a memorable ride: Conor
Shaughnessy was randomly selected to sit alongside the Kiwi and couldn’t
believe his luck.
“I had no idea this was the prize,” Shaughnessy beamed.
“That was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and Hayden was
fantastic. He’s a savage driver.”
Paddon shared his enthusiasm, saying, “I couldn’t wipe the
smile off my face. I feel so incredibly lucky to be driving the Hyundai i20
Coupe WRC again. Such great memories and so good to be back in this car.”
Japan
Poland
Turkey